Bar profile: Frezno Bar and Grill is yet another reason to revisit the Brewery District

The Brewery District’s experienced some revitalization the last two years, and thankfully it just keeps going. Frezno Bar and Grill is the latest solid hangout to take up residence in the area. In truth, Frezno is more restaurant than bar — serving some delicious comfort food dishes — but it’s a fitting place for an alcoholic beverage or two.

Frezno is an appealing spot for imbibing, and itsimple, yet charming atmosphere oozes comfort.Its large open space (two dining rooms and two patios) is filled with lightlycolored walls and hardwood floors and pretty much makes you feel at home immediately.

The bar area is of the fairly standard variety, but the drink options are above average. Asolid beer list has a number of quality craft selections in bottle (generally $3.75 or $4) and draft ($4.50) number of brews from Columbus — a couple from Seventh Son, Elevator, CBC, etc. — and around Ohio.

It’s a nice touch that the draft list obviously takes care to present seasonal options with lighter, refreshing fare currently on tap. The bottle list is more comprehensive featuring most styles and more than a dozen breweries.

Frezno also has a small cocktail menu that offers slight twists on traditional versions. The Jack and Stormy ($8) with Jack Daniels Honey, house-made ginger beer, lime and chocolate bitters is an intriguing concoction. The Cucumber Cocktail ($8) with Hendricks, lemon juice, simple syrup and cucumber is ideal for the season.

Speaking of enjoying this mild summer, the best place to hang out at Frezno are on the patio (perhaps during happy hour when everything is $1 off?).Each of the outdoor spaces sits next to the brick corridors running through the Brewery District. Any patio not looking out into a parking lot or High Street is a welcome change of pace.

Again, if you’re having a drink at Frezno, why not also get some of the excellent food? The small plates feature two undeniably good options: Marlene’s Fried Chicken (with spicy slaw) ($11) and Short Rib Tacos ($11).